DISC-OVER HOW EASY IT IS

READING people will be some of the first in the world to try out a revolutionary new CD-buying system.

The VMS (Virtual Music Stores) system allows shoppers to choose their favourite songs from a list of hundreds and then record them onto a single CD.

Each CD will hold up to 40 minutes of music and the tracks can be loaded onto them within four minutes.

VMS has chosen five Berkshire towns for a world exclusive try-out, with WHSmith in Broad Street, Reading, and the Calcot Savacentre among the first to have the VMS system exclusively installed.

WHSmith started the trial on Saturday and Savacentre launched its yesterday.

VMS's unique system works by broadcasting tracks directly from a secure satellite network to an in-store ‘virtual pressing plant', allowing consumers to create an entirely individual music selection on a single CD.

Shoppers can choose from hundreds of well-known artists, and listen to samples of every song before recording their album.

Adam Turner, director of VMS, said: "VMS are very excited to be starting the national roll-out in Berkshire and look forward to getting comments and feedback from local people so we can provide the very best service.

"Ultimately we hope that the installation of the consoles in WHSmith and Sainsbury's will revolutionise the process of buying music in Berkshire by offering more personal choice to more people from more locations."

He added that Berkshire was selected for this try-out because VMS's research showed that people who live in Berkshire are "highly technology literate" and "motivated to explore new products and concepts".

He in turn attributed these qualities to a "significant population between the 16 to 44-year-old age group, which represents VMS's core audience".

Tracks will cost between £1 and £1.50 giving an average cost of £12.99 per CD.